Scientists have identified a new threat to Europe’s water security: “atmospheric thirst” — a phenomenon driven by extreme heat that rapidly sucks moisture from soil and plants, triggering flash droughts. The warning comes as the continent faces increasingly intense heatwaves, with researchers warning that rising temperatures are accelerating the pace at which dry spells develop.
The term describes how hotter air can hold more water vapour, drawing moisture from the ground at a faster rate than normal. This creates conditions for droughts that emerge in a matter of weeks — far quicker than the seasonal droughts Europe has historically experienced.
“Scientists warn heat-driven 'atmospheric thirst' is causing rapid flash droughts across Europe.”
While the scientists have not yet quantified how much faster these flash droughts are occurring, they caution that the pattern could become more frequent as global temperatures rise. The research underscores how even short, intense heat events can have outsized impacts on agriculture and water supplies.
The findings add urgency to calls for better monitoring and early warning systems, particularly as Europe’s infrastructure was not built for such rapid-onset dry periods.